Multi-nozzle machine tool cooling system

A cooling system for a machine tool having a cutting tool in a spindle that is displaceable relative to a work piece along a spindle axis, comprising:

• a plurality of nozzle assemblies, each independently mountable on the machine tool and connectable to a source of cooling fluid;
• a respective nozzle pivotally supported in each nozzle assembly, wherein each nozzle defines a nozzle axis along which cooling fluid can be directed from each nozzle assembly;
• and
• a control system operatively associated with said plurality of nozzle assemblies, for delivering control signals that pivot each nozzle independently to align the respective nozzle axes relative to respective target positions in the machine tool, whereby respective flows of cooling fluid from said plurality of nozzles can each be directed to any respective target position,
• wherein each nozzle assembly comprises
• a body connectable to a source of fluid coolant;
• a nozzle that is pivotable in the body and extends along a nozzle axis from a rotating coolant union integrated with the body;
• a bracket on the body for mounting the nozzle assembly to the machine tool;
• and
• a distinct electro mechanical actuator detachably mounted on the body in a plurality of orientations relative to the body, with a drive element responsive to said control system, operatively connected to the rotating coolant union for pivoting the nozzle.

A coolant nozzle assembly for mounting on a machine tool having a spindle axis, comprising:

• a body connectable to a source of fluid coolant;
• a nozzle that is pivotable in the body and extends along a nozzle axis from a rotating coolant union integrated with the body;
• a bracket for mounting the body on a machine tool;
• a distinct electro mechanical actuator detachably mounted on the body and having a drive element that is operatively connected to the rotating coolant union for pivoting the nozzle;
• whereby the body is mountable on the machine tool with said bracket in at least two alternative locations around the spindle axis such that when in any of the alternative locations the nozzle axis is directed at and pivotable along the spindle axis;
• and wherein
• the body has a plurality of first fastener members and the electromechanical actuator has at least one second fastener member such that the at least one second fastener member on the actuator can be alternatively mated with any of at least two different of said first fastener members and thereby define at least two different configurations of the nozzle assembly;
• the body has a front, back, top, bottom, and left and right sides;
• the mounting bracket is at the top of the body;
• the nozzle has an inner end on the union, which is fluidly accessible through an opening in the back of the body and has an axis of rotation that extends longitudinally from front to back within the body and the nozzle has a neutral position projecting vertically downward from the bottom of the body and an active position that is angulated toward one side relative to vertical;
• the electromechanical actuator has a front, back, top, bottom, and left and right sides, an external electric connector, and a drive shaft that projects from the back into another opening in the front of the body;
• the union and drive shaft have a cooperating key and slot whereby the nozzle is pivotable by the drive shaft between the neutral position and said active position;
• the mounting bracket extends vertically from the top, closer to one of the left or right sides of the body;
• the first fastener members are at the front of the body in the form of four mounting holes in a circle pattern;
• and
• the second fastener members are in the form of two bolts passing from front to back in a compatible pattern whereby the actuator is mountable on the body in any one of four orientations thereby defining four selective alternative configurations of the nozzle assembly.

A method for delivering cooling fluid to a cutting tool on a displaceable spindle of a machine tool comprising:

• mounting first and second nozzle assemblies on the machine tool offset from the spindle axis different respective distances, each nozzle assembly having a distinct electromechanical actuator for pivoting a nozzle that dispenses a cooling fluid in a nozzle axial flow direction;
• connecting the nozzle assemblies to a control system that coordinates the actuators to aim the axial flow direction of each of said plurality of nozzles to a respective target position along the spindle axis, wherein said control system delivers control signals to each distinct electro mechanical actuator located at each nozzle that pivot each nozzle independently to align the respective nozzle axes relative to respective said target positions, whereby respective flows of cooling fluid from said plurality of nozzles can each be directed to any respective target position;
• and
• initiating flow through each nozzle, directed at the target positions.